Lightsource bp and the Alabama Municipal Electric Authority marked the completion of the 130-MCDC/100-MWAC Black Bear Photo voltaic mission. This mission is considered one of Alabama’s largest photo voltaic farms and can convey sustainable vitality to AMEA’s 11 municipal utilities.


The 130-MW Black Bear Photo voltaic mission in Alabama. Lightsource bp
Positioned 15 miles from AMEA’s headquarters, Black Bear will ship photo voltaic vitality to AMEA below a 20-year energy gross sales settlement from Lightsource bp. The mission acts as a hedge in opposition to worth volatility within the pure fuel market whereas saving AMEA a minimal of $40 million over the preliminary 20-year energy contract.
“AMEA is saving cash with a home-grown, renewable useful resource that helps us present reliable, economical energy to our communities,” stated Fred D. Clark, Jr., President and CEO of AMEA. “Mixed with a set worth contract for electrical energy from Black Bear Photo voltaic for the subsequent 20 years, we’re constructing extra long-term stability and variety into our vitality portfolio.”
Black Bear Photo voltaic was constructed utilizing greater than 280,000 ultra-low carbon photo voltaic panels manufactured by Arizona-based First Photo voltaic, photo voltaic trackers manufactured by New Mexico-based Array Applied sciences and foundational piles manufactured by Mississippi-based Attala Metal. Greater than 400 individuals labored to assemble the ability, nearly all of whom have been native staff.
“This mission is a superb instance of how photo voltaic is a job engine for People,” stated Kevin Smith, CEO of Lightsource bp Americas. “Black Bear Photo voltaic created a whole lot of U.S. jobs throughout the availability chain, supporting home manufacturing and serving to construct long-term careers for our clear vitality future.”
The Black Bear Photo voltaic mission is in commissioning and presently producing electrical energy into the grid and will likely be absolutely operational in November 2022.
“We’re grateful to AMEA and Lightsource bp for his or her vital announcement in Montgomery and congratulate them on the completion of this necessary mission,” stated Doug Singleton, chair for the Montgomery County Fee. “This mission will present appreciable help to Montgomery County faculties, {dollars} the varsity system in any other case wouldn’t obtain. It is a main financial growth mission for the agricultural a part of our county with our sturdy company associate in Lightsource bp.”
Information merchandise from Lightsource bp